10+ Best Books Like Percy Jackson for 12-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for books like Percy Jackson for 12-year-olds that will keep your young reader hooked? Finding the perfect blend of adventure and excitement that matches Rick Riordan’s captivating series can be a thrilling quest in itself. Whether your child has just turned the last page of "The Lightning Thief" or is a seasoned fan of mythological tales, this list is packed with must-reads that promise to be just as engaging. Keep reading to discover a variety of books like Percy Jackson for 12-year-olds, each guaranteed to whisk them away on new and exciting adventures!

Fun Books Like Percy Jackson for 12-Year-Olds

• Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This book introduces young Harry Potter, who discovers on his eleventh birthday that he is the orphaned son of two powerful wizards and possesses unique magical powers of his own. He attends Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry to learn about his magical heritage and faces various challenges and adventures.
  • Why we recommend this book: It opens up a magical world full of wonder and excitement, encouraging imagination and a love for reading through its engaging narrative and relatable characters.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love magic, mysteries, and epic adventures.

• Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Artemis Fowl, a twelve-year-old genius and criminal mastermind, captures a fairy and holds her ransom to exploit the magical Fairy People and restore his family's fortune.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines magic with technology and crime capers, offering a thrilling ride that keeps readers guessing. It's great for developing problem-solving skills and fostering a love for intricate plots.
  • Perfect for: Kids who enjoy clever twists, tech-savvy adventures, and anti-hero main characters.

• The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Percy Jackson discovers he is a demigod, the son of Poseidon, and is sent to Camp Half-Blood where he embarks on a quest across the United States to find Zeus's stolen lightning bolt.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s packed with action, humor, and educational elements about Greek mythology, making learning fun and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy fast-paced adventures and learning about mythology.

• Fablehaven by Brandon Mull
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Siblings Kendra and Seth visit their grandparents' estate, Fablehaven, and discover it's a sanctuary for magical creatures. They quickly find themselves involved in a battle against dark forces trying to overthrow the sanctuary.
  • Why we recommend this book: It features a magical, detailed setting and a plot full of twists and turns that promote critical thinking and the importance of family.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love stories about magical creatures and secret worlds.

• The School for Good and Evil by Soman Chainani
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Fairy Tale
  • Synopsis: Best friends Sophie and Agatha find themselves taken to an enchanted school where young heroes and villains are trained to protect the balance between Good and Evil. Sophie and Agatha must choose their sides and face the consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the nature of good and evil, wrapped in a captivating fairy tale setting.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy twisted fairy tales and exploring deep themes through fantastical narratives.

• The Spiderwick Chronicles: The Field Guide by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi (Illustrator)
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: After moving into the decrepit Spiderwick Estate with their mother, the Grace children discover a world of fairies that they never knew existed. When they find a strange book filled with secrets, their lives take an unexpected turn.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a quick-paced, enchanting read that combines beautiful illustrations with a captivating story, ideal for sparking a love for books and reading.
  • Perfect for: Young adventurers who love exploring hidden worlds and unraveling mysteries.

Educational Books Like Percy Jackson for 12-Year-Olds

• The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology
  • Synopsis: Teenage twins Sophie and Josh Newman find themselves caught up in an ancient battle between two alchemists over the secret to eternal life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, particularly of alchemy and mythology; critical thinking; and reading comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It seamlessly integrates magic and history, providing a thrilling narrative that educates about various mythologies and historical figures.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy a mix of contemporary settings with historical and magical elements.

• The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
  • Genre(s): Mystery, Adventure, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: Four gifted kids, recruited by the eccentric Mr. Benedict, go on a secret mission at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where nothing is as it seems.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Logical thinking, problem-solving, teamwork, and ethical reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges young minds with puzzles and mysteries while emphasizing the value of intelligence, bravery, and friendship.
  • Perfect for: Kids who love solving puzzles and mysteries, and those who value teamwork and intelligence.

• The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: A young girl raised by a witch, a swamp monster, and a Perfectly Tiny Dragon must unlock the powerful magic buried deep inside her.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Empathy, understanding complex narratives, and enhancing imaginative thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It is beautifully written with complex characters and an engaging plot that highlights the power of love and magic.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate beautifully crafted stories and strong, complex characters.

• The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Dystopian, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In a society where creativity is a crime, 13-year-old Alex is labeled an Unwanted and sent to a magical place where other creative outcasts learn to use their abilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Creative thinking, artistic skills, and emotional awareness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines elements of magic and dystopia, providing a thrilling adventure that promotes the importance of creativity and questioning authority.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are creative thinkers or who feel like outsiders, and fans of stories about magical schools.

• The Apothecary by Maile Meloy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In 1952, fourteen-year-old Janie Scott moves from Los Angeles to London, where she meets a mysterious apothecary and his son who involve her in a dangerous mission to save the world.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical context of the Cold War, scientific curiosity, and critical thinking.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a gripping mix of history and fantasy, encouraging readers to learn about a significant time period while enjoying a fast-paced adventure.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical settings with a magical twist and stories that involve espionage and adventure.

Challenging Books Like Percy Jackson for 12-Year-Olds

• The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Nathaniel, a young magician's apprentice, summons the 5,000-year-old djinni Bartimaeus to assist him in a risky revenge plot against a powerful magician, but their partnership proves to be more complicated than expected.
  • Why this book is challenging: It features complex narrative structures, including footnotes and multiple perspectives, which require advanced reading skills.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a witty and intelligent book that combines magic, political intrigue, and humor, offering a fresh twist on the fantasy genre.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy clever dialogue, intricate plots, and a unique magical system.

• Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Meggie learns that her father Mo, a bookbinder, can "read" fictional characters into life. One of these characters abducts them, forcing them to use their special talents to change the course of a story set in a perilous fantasy world.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into metafictional concepts and uses a rich, descriptive language that demands a higher level of reader comprehension.
  • Why we recommend this book: It celebrates the power of books and storytelling and is filled with thrilling adventures and a touch of magic.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are also avid book lovers and enjoy stories about stories.

• A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Fantasy
  • Synopsis: Meg Murry, her brother Charles Wallace, and their friend Calvin travel through space and time to save their father from an evil force that threatens to grip the universe using the power of a tesseract, or a "wrinkle in time".
  • Why this book is challenging: It introduces complex scientific and philosophical ideas, such as dimensions beyond the three we are familiar with.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a groundbreaking mix of science fiction and fantasy that challenges perceptions and encourages critical thinking about real-world issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science and fantasy, and those who like stories that challenge their imagination.

• The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: Lyra Belacqua embarks on a journey to the Arctic in search of her missing friend and her uncle who is conducting experiments with a mysterious substance known as Dust.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel explores deep and sometimes controversial themes such as religion and free will.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a richly imagined world with complex characters and moral dilemmas, encouraging readers to think critically about the nature of their world.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who enjoy detailed world-building and philosophical questions woven into their adventure tales.

• The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure
  • Synopsis: In an underground city on the verge of collapse, young Lina and Doon discover clues that could lead the city's inhabitants back to the surface.
  • Why this book is challenging: It deals with complex themes of survival, societal decay, and the search for truth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a gripping story that combines mystery and adventure, prompting readers to consider important environmental and societal issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are drawn to mysteries and stories about dystopian societies.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

If you're diving into the adventurous world of books like "Percy Jackson," you're in for a treat! But before you get lost in those pages, let's talk about some exercises that can help you build strong reading habits. Here’s a list of fun and effective exercises tailored for 12-year-olds who love reading:

• Set Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how much you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and makes reading a regular part of your day.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Create a Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus by associating one place with reading time.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Read Aloud or With Friends
  • What it is: Read books out loud by yourself or with a group of friends.
  • How it helps: Improves understanding and makes reading a fun, social activity.
  • Tips: Try different voices for different characters to make it more engaging.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology by using apps that can track your reading progress.
  • How it helps: Provides digital tools to enhance and monitor your reading habits.
  • Tips: Choose apps that offer rewards and challenges to keep you interested.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a book club that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: Be active in discussions to get the most out of every book.

• Mix It Up
  • What it is: Vary the genres and types of books you read.
  • How it helps: Keeps reading exciting and helps develop a well-rounded interest in different subjects.
  • Tips: Alternate between fiction and non-fiction or different genres each month.

These exercises are not just about reading more books; they're about making reading a fun, integral part of your life. By setting goals, creating a special reading space, or even joining a book club, you're building a lifelong love for reading. So, grab your next book and let these exercises enhance your reading journey! Happy reading!